Upstate, SC [June 22, 2015] – Applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Hughes Investments Elevate Upstate Community Vibrancy Grants, which are designed to provide communities in the Upstate with seed money to help develop a local initiative that promotes community or economic vibrancy. The grant program was established in 2013 by Ten at the Top (TATT) utilizing a funding commitment from Phil Hughes and Hughes Investments Inc. In 2015 two grants will be awarded with each project receiving up to $5,000 in grant support.

Organizations eligible to apply for the funding support include neighborhood associations, civic or community based organizations, non-profit organizations or local governments that are committed to developing and implementing programs designed to increase local vibrancy in communities within the Upstate.

In 2014, the second year of the program, grants were awarded to Let’s Keep Travelers Rest Beautiful to implement a series of ‘Before I Die’ Walls in the community and to Main Street Laurens to begin Finally Friday on the Square, a monthly celebration of music in historic downtown.

Applicants must be located in and do their work within communities in one of the ten Upstate counties: Abbeville, Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Greenwood, Laurens, Oconee, Pickens, Spartanburg, or Union. Successful proposals for projects funded with Elevate Upstate grants should be able to clearly demonstrate how the implementation of the initiative that they propose will benefit and provide vibrancy in the local community. These proposals may seek to produce a physical result, such as a mural, sculpture or signage that will increase the vibrancy and sense of place within a community, or implement the first of a reoccurring or annual event or program that helps grow vibrancy within a community.
The applications are now available on the Ten at the Top website (https://tenatthetop.org/elevate-upstate-grants). Interested candidates are asked to complete an interest form by August 1st and the completed applications are due by September 15th. Interest forms and completed applications can be sent to Dean Hybl (dhybl@tenatthetop.org).

About Ten at the Top
Comprised of public, private and civic leaders from across the ten-county Upstate South Carolina Region, Ten at the Top was created to build regional trust and encourage regional collaboration through data-driven research and regular convening of leaders and citizens to address key issues facing the region. Ten at the Top works with regional partners to foster collaboration and strategic planning to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life for Upstate residents both today and as the region continues to grow. For more information, visit www.tenatthetop.org.